The Pittsburgh Steelers had the oldest starting defense in the NFL last season, with seven of 11 regular starters over the age of 30. Two such players -- nose tackle Casey Hampton and linebacker James Harrison -- were not brought back, opening those positions up to new competition.

Many are projecting Jones to fill Harrison's role on the outside, a key cog in Dick LeBeau's zone blitz defense. But he has a fight on his hands for a starting job for an organization that traditionally doesn't hand jobs to rookies. Jason Worilds has been waiting in the wings for three seasons and should be game for a position battle this summer.

If Jones' disruptive abilities at the college level translate to the NFL, he'll have no problems winning a job and making an immediate impact. But there are questions about his physical skills after he tested poorly at Georgia's pro day, including a 4.92 40-yard dash time.

Proponents of Jones' skill set -- Steelers management included -- will say he plays much faster, though, and the results back that theory up. He led all of major college football with 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss last season, showing the leverage and instincts to make up for a lack of straight-line speed.

Those abilities could add new life to a defense that was stout as always, but ranked No. 25 in the NFL in takeaways (20) last season and No. 28 the season before. Young playmakers are probably long overdue.

Thomas could be the heir apparent to seven-time Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu, who is 32 years old and comes off a season in which he missed seven games with a calf injury. Thomas is an explosive and versatile athlete, who could blitz from anywhere, defend the run or drop back in coverage.

Thomas was a value pick in the fourth round, falling to that point because of a perceived lack of size. But at 5-9, 213 pounds, Thomas turned in the best performance of any defensive back at the NFL combine. He was best at the position in the 40-yard dash (4.42 seconds), bench press (28 reps) and vertical jump (40.5 inches).

There's power, speed and athleticism in that package, and LeBeau is the mastermind who can make the most of it.

Hawthorne showed flashes of big-time ability while at Illinois, but saw his stock plummet after a concussion seemed to render him into a funk as a senior. He's a big corner with speed and strength and could be a good system fit for Pittsburgh as he develops.

"What I like about Terry is he has a lot of upside potential," Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said after the draft. "I think he's got all the physical tools. He's big, he's fast, he doesn't mind tackling and he plays press coverage well."

Vince Williams can challenge for a spot on the depth chart after a productive senior season at Florida State. He made 14 starts for the Seminoles and was the captain of a defense that led the Football Bowl Subdivision in yards per play (3.86).

With a good training camp, he could play himself into a backup role to veterans Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons.

Nicholas Williams is a big, athletic defensive end who could factor into the Steelers' plans down the road. He's a "project," according to defensive line coach John Mitchell.

"This guy was a heck of a basketball player coming out of high school," Mitchell said after the draft. "He only played one year in high school, then he grew. He's a project, but you can't get guys who are 6-4 and 320 pounds who can run. This guy has tremendous upside."